Discover Shanghai: Top 20 Interesting Facts for Visitors
Shanghai, China's dazzling "Paris of the East" seamlessly blends ancient traditions with futuristic innovation. Here's your guide to its unique charm, packed with quirky and surprising facts:
I. Geography & Urban Planning
1. Second Most Populous City Globally
With over 29 million residents, Shanghai trails only Jakarta, Indonesia, in population.
2. Donghai Bridge: World's Longest Sea Bridge
Donghai Bridge of China is one of the longest cross-sea bridges in the world. Spanning 32.5 km, this engineering marvel connects Shanghai to Zhejiang's Zhoushan Islands.
Donghai bridge in Shanghai, China.
Unfortunately, tourists in China aren't permitted to drive, so you'll have to enjoy this cable-stayed bridge from the comfort of a taxi.
3. Closer to Seoul/Tokyo Than Beijing
Geographically, Shanghai is nearer to Korea and Japan than to China's capital.
4. 163 Streets Named After Chinese Provinces
Yet curiously, there's no "Anhui Road".
5. European-Inspired Roots
The Bund's iconic skyline was designed by British architects in the 19th century.
Why is Shanghai Called the "City of Magic"?
Because it's where Ming Dynasty gardens with carved lattice windows meet the neon-lit skyscrapers of Lujiazui. This surreal contrast led Japanese writer Mura Matsuo to dub it the "City of Magic" in 1924.
II. Transportation & Daily Life
6. Mysterious "Hu C" License Plates
Cars with these plates are banned from downtown Shanghai year-round - a national oddity.
7. Train Between Two Rail Stations
A 30-minute, budget-friendly train ride links Hongqiao and Shanghai Railway Station.
8. World's Longest Metro System
Over 800 km of tracks make Shanghai's subway a global leader.
9. China's First Free Highway
The Hujia Expressway, opened in 1988, revolutionized road travel.
10. Subway to Another City
Line 11 stretches all the way to Suzhou, a neighboring Jiangsu province city.
Why Modern City Lovers Will Go Crazy
Because Shanghai:
- Boasts the world's longest metro system (830 km - longer than NYC + London combined).
- Hosts Shanghai Disneyland, where nightly fireworks blend Chinese zodiac themes.
- Offers ¥2 ferry rides across the Huangpu River, connecting colonial-era Bund with futuristic skyscrapers in 5 minutes.
That's why Lonely Planet says: "In Shanghai, sci-fi and reality blur".
III. History & Culture
11. Jing'an Temple's Ancient Legacy
Built during the Three Kingdoms period (3rd century), it's been renamed multiple times.
12. Shanghai: WWII's "Eastern Noah's Ark"
The city sheltered 25,000 Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution.
13. People's Square: From Horse Track to Icon
This bustling hub was once a colonial-era racetrack.
14. The Dark Side of "Shanghai" (Verb)
In English, the word historically meant "to kidnap or trick" reflecting its colonial past.
Why History Buffs Will Love Shanghai
Because you can:
- Count the 15 unique curves of Yuyuan Garden's Zigzag Bridge (each stone carved with seasonal flowers).
- Visit the Leaning Tower of Huzhu (7.1° tilt, built in the Song Dynasty - more slanted than Pisa!).
- Explore the Tilanqiao District, known as the "Eastern Noah's Ark" for sheltering 25,000 Jewish refugees during WWII.
That's why National Geographic calls Shanghai a "city where time folds".
IV. Food & Local Flavors
15. Soup Dumplings: A Must-Learn Skill
Tourists flock to local homes to master crafting xiaolongbao (steamed soup dumplings).
16. Oddities in Wet Markets
Quail eggs, "iron stick" yams, and crayfish intrigue foreign visitors.
17. Quirky French Bistro Trend
"BoPu" wows diners with canned appetizers and midnight table-side service.
Why Foodies Must Visit
Because you'll:
- Try Nanxiang Xiaolongbao (18 delicate folds per dumpling - drink the soup with a straw first!).
- Taste hidden gems like "Dan Dang Soup" (wheat gluten stuffed with pork and tofu skin).
- Dare to sip Coriander Milk Tea or try Moutai Ice Cream (only in Shanghai!).
That's why the BBC filmed "Shanghai: A Century on the Tip of Your Tongue".
V. Modern Marvels
18.Lujiazui: A Sci-Fi Skyline
Its neon-lit skyscrapers dazzle, but navigating the maze of towers can be confusing.
Shanghai Lujiazui (Photo by Wang Zhengkun)
19. Oriental Pearl Tower's Sweet Nickname
Locals joke it resembles a giant tanghulu (candied fruit skewer). Its rotating restaurant offers panoramic views.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower
20. Shanghai Summer International Festival (July - Oct 2025)
Enjoy visa-free stays (240 hours), Disney-themed shows, Lego play zones, and exclusive travel perks.
Why Coffee Addicts Will Rejoice
Because with 24,000 cafés (more per capita than New York!), you can:
- Sip pour-over coffee in Sinan Road's century - old villas.
- Share a table with locals in pajamas for a ¥5 Americano at alleyway shops.
- Visit the world's highest café (119th floor of Shanghai Tower).
No wonder Forbes named Shanghai the "United Nations of Coffee".
VI. Pro Tips for Visitors
- Stroll the Bund at night for breathtaking views.
- Explore underground malls built in repurposed tunnels.
- Use apps like Shanghai Pass for seamless travel and discounts.
- Avoid Crowds: Skip Nanjing East Road; explore artsy Wukang Road or Anfu Road.
- Day Trip: Take the 38-minute bullet train to Jiaxing for fresh zongzi (sticky rice dumplings).
- Local Lingo: Say "Xiajiao" (下班了 - "Work's done!") to join post-office-hour bar hops.
Unique Experiences
- People's Square Marriage Market: Weekend "matchmaking corner" where parents trade résumés for singles.
- 2 Yuan Ferry at Sunset: Watch the skyline glow as old and new Shanghai face off across the river.
- Hidden Millionaires: Men in flip-flops sipping tea in alleyways might own 6 apartments (thanks to 拆迁 - demolition payouts).
Why Visit?
Shanghai is where ancient water towns whisper secrets to glass-and-steel giants. Come discover why this "Oriental Paris" is the ultimate East-meets-West adventure! From its colonial architecture to AI-powered convenience, Shanghai is where East meets West, past meets future, and every alley holds a story. Dive in - this city never stops surprising!